Riot Games Expands Oversight: New Policy Targets Off-Platform Conduct

Riot Games Broadens Terms of Service with Off-Platform Policy

In a significant expansion of their quality control measures, Riot Games, developer of popular games like League of Legends and Valorant, announced updates that will allow it to penalize content creators breaching the rules both inside and outside their gaming platforms. This strategic step underscores the company's efforts to safeguard the content ecosystem surrounding their games, enhancing the overall experience for players and creators alike.

Expanding Boundaries with Off-Platform Conduct Policy

The most impactful part of this update is the introduction of the "Off-Platform Conduct" policy. As explained by Riot Games in a blog post, this policy's objective is to tackle the adverse behaviors that the gaming community often encounters across the various places that affect their gaming experience. The policy encompasses content that features Riot's games in the backdrop. For instance, if a creator indulges in hate speech while live-streaming Valorant, they could face penalties, regardless of whether the conversation is with followers and not transmitted through in-game communications.

The company said: "Our primary focus is to ensure that our games continue to be fun and welcoming for everyone. However, there are times when certain individuals cross boundaries. During such cases, we aim to prevent them from carrying such behavior over to any other Riot game, thereby affecting those experiences. Hence, amidst serious violations, ensuring Riot-wide bans is part of our penalty system."

Wide-Ranging Consequences: Bans Across Riot’s Portfolio

A breach of the Terms of Service while playing any of Riot's games could result in being banned from not just the specific title but also from all other games developed by Riot. This amendment makes it crystal clear that the company is taking a hard stance against individuals who misuse their platform.

Unacceptable Practices and Banned Services under Scrutiny

Equally crucial is Riot's addressal of certain services that contravene company policies but are widely sold. Content creators endorsing services that offer account boosting, buying or selling accounts, or other forbidden in-game practices will face punitive action. These restrictions also apply to conversations or suggestions made about these practices across platforms, be it streams, videos, social media posts, and more.

Riot Games is leveraging a mix of human and technology-based moderation systems to suppress problematic content. The company is committed to taking proactive measures to deter such content effectively, thereby preventing any unjustified penalties. The goal remains to cultivate a healthy and welcoming environment for its gaming community.

Content creators have until January 3rd, 2025, to adapt to these updates before they come into effect. The future promises to be an interesting and hopefully more controlled environment in the world of Riot Games.